Between influencers on YouTube, well-meaning friends and family, and seemingly endless articles on Google, the term “information overload” takes on a whole new meaning when you become a parent. That’s why it’s so important to have professionals you can trust in your corner, including an experienced and caring pediatric dentist. That way, you can separate myth from fact (after all, there is a lot of misinformation out there!). With this in mind, keep reading to learn four common myths about children’s dentistry.
Myth #1: There’s No Need to Brush Baby Teeth
This misconception usually stems from the fact that baby teeth eventually fall out. While that’s true, they do serve an important purpose. Not only do they help your child eat a variety of foods and smile with confidence, but they also act as placeholders for their permanent teeth. In other words, skipping essential oral hygiene steps, like brushing, can negatively impact everything from your little one’s self-esteem to their oral health and the alignment of their bite!
Myth #2: Sugar Is The Only Cause of Cavities
You’ve probably heard countless times that ice cream, soda, and other sugary treats can lead to decay. While that’s certainly true, that’s not the only culprit. Decay can also develop from brushing inconsistently, overindulging on starchy foods, and skipping biannual dental checkups and cleanings (more on that a little later).
Myth #3: Thumb-Sucking Is Always Bad
Thumb-sucking is a very common self-soothing behavior for infants and toddlers. However, many parents worry about the habit sticking around long enough to negatively impact their child’s bite. While that’s certainly possible, it’s often a habit that goes away as they grow up. If that doesn’t happen – that’s okay! Reach out to their pediatrician or pediatric dentist; they can share helpful resources and recommendations.
Myth #4: Young Kids Don’t Need a Dentist
Perhaps one of the most common myths about children’s dentistry is that small children don’t need to visit a dentist. That’s not the case! In fact, parents are encouraged to schedule an appointment for their little one around their first birthday (or sooner if their first tooth emerges before that).
About the Practice
Our team at Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln is united behind a mission to help children of all ages maintain healthy, happy smiles – from their first birthday to their final appointment before heading off to college. That’s why we offer preventive, restorative, and emergency dentistry – all in one convenient location near you. If you would like to schedule an appointment with us, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (508) 290-0090.